Giant Steps
Artist: Woody Herman
Community Score: 10.00

Woody Herman always went out of his way during his long career to encourage younger players, often persuading them to write arrangements of recent tunes for his orchestra. On this recording one gets to hear his band interpret such selections as Chick Corea's "La Fiesta," Leon Russell's "A Song for You," "Freedom Jazz Dance," "A Child Is Born"... Read More

The Raven Speaks
Artist: Woody Herman

The best of his Fantasy releases of the '70s, this well-rounded CD is highlighted by a great jam on "Reunion at Newport" and strong soloing from Herman (on soprano and clarinet), pianist Harold Danko, trumpeter Bill Stapleton and the tenors of Gregory Herbert and Frank Tiberi. The Herman orchestra performs a couple of modern ballads ("Alone... Read More

Live at the New School
Artist: Earl Hines

This album features pianist Earl Hines at the absolute peak of his powers. Nine years after his renaissance began, Hines seemed to still be getting more daring in his playing. This version of "I've Got the World on a String" is somewhat miraculous (the chances he takes are breathtaking) and the Fats Waller medley (which features six songs) is... Read More

Buddy Rich in London
Artist: Buddy Rich

Although three of the selections on this LP have been reissued as part of the Time Being CD, the album is still well worth searching for. The Buddy Rich big band is heard throughout in inspired and peak form. Tenor saxophonist Pat LaBarbera is the main soloist, although strong contributions are also made by trombonist Bruce Paulson, pianist Bob... Read More

The Roar of '74
Artist: Buddy Rich

In late 1973, the Buddy Rich big band still featured the explosive drummer in prime, competitive form. The orchestra's key soloist during the era was Pat LaBarbera (doubling on tenor and soprano); guitarist Joe Beck also has a spot on "Big Mac." The charts (by Ernie Wilkins, John LaBarbera, Manny Albam, Greg Hopkins and Don Menza) for this album... Read More

Time Being
Artist: Buddy Rich
Community Score: 9.00

This 1987 sampler CD has some of the best selections recorded by the Buddy Rich big band for the LPs A Different Drummer, Rich In London and Stick It. The selection of tunes was well done, although the complete Rich In London (not yet out on CD) is also well worth getting. Among the key soloists are Pat LaBarbera on tenor and soprano, trombonist... Read More

The Bosses
Artist: Count Basie

Count Basie and an all-star band (including trumpeter Harry Edison, trombonist J.J. Johnson and the tenors of Eddie Davis and Zoot Sims) back up veteran Kansas City blues singer Big Joe Turner on one of his better later albums. The many fine solos inspire Turner, who is in top form on such tunes as "Night Time Is the Right Time," "Wee Baby... Read More

The Golden Years - PABLO
Artist: Count Basie

Count Basie spent the last decade of his life recording regularly for Norman Granz's Pablo label. This four-CD set, which does not contain any material not available elsewhere, has "the best of" Basie's final period, 61 selections in all. Each disc covers a different (although sometimes overlapping) aspect of Basie's career: live performances,... Read More